José Luis Martí of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, passed away on August 13, 2026 at the age of 86.

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He was born on April 27, 1940 Molinicos, Albacete, Spain to Antonio Martí Ortín and Emilia Fernandez Frías.

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José built a distinguished career in academia that began in Alicante, Spain at the Colegio Nazaret, where he began teaching. Having furthered his graduate studies at Middlebury College and Princeton University, he went on to become a beloved professor of Spanish Literature and Language at The Lawrenceville School from 1974-2008, where he was privileged to serve as Department Chair, founder of the School’s Study Abroad Program, Housemaster and soccer coach. José was endowed with the Wilbourn S. Gibbs ‘27 Chair in Languages, is an honorary member of the classes of ‘75, ’84, ’87, '95, and ‘08, and Masters Award recipient. He admired his pupils deeply and, throughout his time as an educator, championed the shared capacity of teachers and students to learn from one another. 

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José was also an accomplished author of academic texts, literary criticism and fiction, having won numerous international awards for his works. He is remembered for his deeply held belief in social justice, keen intellect and creative drive that kept him busy on numerous literary adventures throughout his life. In his free time he could be found cheering on his FC Barcelona, enjoying a great meal and lively “sobremesa” with his friends and family, and sharing playful moments with his adoring grandkids, who always brought out a mischievous sparkle in his eye.

 

A loving husband, father and grandfather, José is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sally; daughter, Gabriela; sons, Alejandro and Nicolás; daughters-in-law, Anoosh and Maria; grandsons Javier and Felix; his large and loving extended family across the U.S. and Spain; and his dearest friends.

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A celebration of José’s life will be held at The Lawrenceville School on October 3rd at 2:00 pm in the Hutchins Gallery. 

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to People and Stories/Gente y Cuentos, a community building and literacy outreach organization he was active with over the years.